Construction in New York City is always complex, but it raises particular concerns when it cuts through the most archeologically rich section of town. In February 2009 a new South Ferry subway station opened on the southernmost tip of Manhattan, a place where environmental, historical, and commercial interests collide. In order to build the station, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) was required to conduct an archeological review and excavation. This provided an extraordinary glimpse into the very place that the modern city has its roots, and the basis of an exciting new exhibit at the New York Transit Museum. Where New York Began: Archeology at the South Ferry Terminal will be on view at the New York Transit Museum Gallery Annex and Store from March 18-July 5, 2010.

In addition to unearthing portions of the city’s early infrastructure, excavations yielded over 65,000 artifacts, including ceramic sherds, shells, coins, tobacco pipes, and architectural materials. These pieces document 400 years of city life and embody the cycle of building, razing, and rebuilding that is a hallmark of New York City. Over 100 of these objects will be on view along with historic maps and photographs, and field images and video of the archeologists at work.

The New York Transit Museum store at Grand Central Terminal has reopened after its renovation. But the Gallery Annex is still closed (it is scheduled to reopen to the general public on or before March 18, 2010).

WMATA is replacing the 2.5 inch tall car number stickers on the subway car sides with new 5 inch tall car number stickers (as seen in the photo above). This will make identifying the car numbers of the subway cars you photograph much easier. Click HERE to see a photo of the old, small numbers below the operator’s cab window.

What more can you ask for? How about car number stickers ON THE FRONT OF THE CARS!?! The LIRR does it right (see below).